The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on October 8, to outline its plan to finish remediation at the former Reading Industrial Scrapyard in Muhlenberg Township, Berks County.

The 7 p.m. meeting will be held at DEP’s Reading District Office, 1005 Crossroads Blvd., Reading. A formal hearing will follow.

“This combined meeting and hearing provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and voice any concerns about our proposed cleanup plan,” DEP Southcentral Regional Director Lynn Langer said. “The Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) authorizes DEP to take ation and create a plan to return this site to a sound environmental state.”

From 1980 to 2000, a company called Reading Industrial Scrap Inc. operated a salvage yard at the site where they recycled metals.

Beginning in 2001, a new owner initiated a cleanup of 400 drums of unknown material that had been stored at the scrapyard. Some of the material was disposed at permitted disposal facilities, but during the process about 200 drums of waste were buried onsite in large pits. Vehicle batteries, paint cans, car engines, scrap metal and a car crusher were also reportedly buried at the scrapyard.

DEP and the Attorney General began an investigation in the summer of 2002, which resulted in the discovery of the 200 drums that had been illegally buried. A Consent Order and Agreement between DEP and the owner resulted in the removal and proper disposal of 4,582 tons of waste. During the investigation, samples of material taken from a pit excavation revealed hazardous levels of lead and silver.

DEP initiated a prompt response to secure the scrap yard to protect public health and safety in the summer of 2004. A security fence was constructed around the site and 2,000 tons of contaminated soil and 50 cubic yards of crushed drummed waste containing polychlorinated biphenyl, a chemical commonly used as a coolant fluid, were removed and disposed.

In the spring of 2008, DEP initiated an investigation to identify and delineate the remaining wastes and soil contamination. The sample results showed lead contaminated soils. Groundwater sampling was also conducted, but only minor contamination was detected. 

DEP’s proposed plan to treat the remaining lead contamination is to excavate the contaminated soils, re-locate the soils to a deep pit in the scrapyard, and then cap the material with two feet of clean soil to eliminate pathways for contact with contaminated soil.

During the hearing portion of the evening, the public will have an opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony about the department’s proposal. Those who wish to present testimony can register by calling Dave Hrobuchak at 717-705-4843 or by registering the night of the hearing.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Dave Hrobuchak at the above number or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

For anyone unable to attend, written comments should be submitted by December 5 to Dave Hrobuchak, DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

DEP staff will provide a written response to all significant testimony provided during the public hearing and public comment period.

The administrative record for this site response will be open for review and comment until December 5. It can be reviewed by appointment weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office at the address above. Call 717-705-4843 to make an appointment.

The administrative record may also be reviewed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays at DEP’s Reading District Office by calling 610-916-0100.

9/30/2013